The Public in the Library is a snapshot of the people who use the M.N. Spear Memorial Library during this moment in time, 2022. The photos will be on display in the library and eventually, they will be on exhibit in the new Shutesbury Library, bringing a piece of the old to the new.
This project was supported by the Shutesbury Cultural Council and the photos were taken by Shutesbury photographer, Jamie Malcolm Brown.
Click here to see more photos.
How to contact the Library
Holiday Closings
December 26th - Closed
January 1st - Closed
The M.N. Spear Memorial Library is now closed.
Scroll down for more info.
The Spear will close at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 24. The Shutesbury Public Library will then remain closed for approximately three weeks while the collection is moved, technology is set up, furniture is put in place, and staff develops procedures for using the new space.
Click here for information about how to prepare for the closure, as well as how and where you can access library services while we are closed. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have questions or need help changing your pickup location for inter-library loans.
There are four remaining opportunities to visit the Spear before our final open shift, which will be 11:00 am–1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 24. Come by and stock up!
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteer crews will begin moving the collection and furniture from the Spear to the SPL on Saturday, December 27. If you are interested in helping with the move, please sign-up HERE.
Thank you for your patience, enthusiasm, and support as we take this exciting step toward opening the new Shutesbury Public Library. We can’t wait to welcome you into the new space soon.
Sneak Peek of the new Shutesbury Public Library
Event Details
When: Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Where: New Shutesbury Public Library (and via Zoom - link at the bottom of this letter).
66 Leverett Road, Shutesbury, MA 01072
What: Annual Friends of the Library Meeting & Sneak Peek
Why Your Participation Matters
We’ll be voting to officially change our name to The Friends of the Shutesbury Library, Inc. All recent donors are members, and your attendance—online or in person—will help us reach a required quorum as we begin this exciting new chapter.
Parking
Additional parking will be available at the Highway Department. Carpooling is encouraged.
Meeting ID: 966 2168 0947
Passcode: 64a9wC
Save the Date
Shutesbury Public Library
Grand Opening
Saturday, January 10, 2026.
(Snow date: Saturday, January 17, 2026)
A full day of events has been planned, with staggered programming to allow visitors to enjoy the new library comfortably throughout the day.
Schedule of Events
10:00 am – Ribbon cutting and remarks, followed by refreshments and building tours
2:00 pm – Children’s Grand Opening
6:00 pm – Teen Room Grand Opening (registration requested)
Parking Information
Parking will be available at the Highway Department and Fire Station. Parking at the Library will be reserved for visitors with mobility needs. Please allow additional time to walk to the Library after parking, and carpooling is encouraged.
Didn’t find what you were looking for in CW MARS?
Try the Commonwealth Catalog, a statewide resource beyond our local resources. Requests will be delivered for pickup here in Shutesbury.
Thousands of free digital books, audiobooks and magazines through Overdrive.
Stream popular, independent, and documentary films on kanopy. Free with your Shutesbury library card.
Digital streaming of movies and TV shows, eBooks, Audiobooks, and music on Hoopla. Four free borrows a month with your Shutesbury library card.
New Book Club: 2026 Reading Challenge
In 2026, we’ll be joining the Massachusetts Center for the Book’s Reading Challenge! Each month, participants are invited to read a book that fits the Center’s monthly theme. We’ll then gather for a relaxed, informal discussion where you can share what you read and how the challenge is going for you.
Our book club will meet once a month during the fourth week, with a daytime meeting option.
If you’re interested in taking part, please fill out this brief SURVEY to help us choose the best meeting day and time.
Monthly through 2026 on the 2nd Friday of each month at 10:30 am
Welcome to our yearlong series in which “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, Heather Rogers, shares facts, factoids, and fun illustrations about the presidents of these United States. We'll start off at the beginning with George Washington! His lack of biological children made him an attractive starter president — no chance of unleashing a monarchy accidentally! Hooray! He was the grandson of an indentured servant; illegally inoculated his troops; a prominent doctor proposed a three-part plan to bring him back to life. Don't you want to know more? In 2026, journey through Heather's sketchbooks as she shares some of her favorite tidbits, doodles, observations, and resurrection stories about the first 12 presidents.
Click here to register - required. You can register for one or all sessions at this link.
We'll start off at the beginning with George Washington! His lack of biological children made him an attractive starter president — no chance of unleashing a monarchy accidentally! Hooray! He was the grandson of an indentured servant; illegally inoculated his troops; a prominent doctor proposed a three-part plan to bring him back to life. Don't you want to know more?
Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library News
Vote for Us in the Florence Bank Customer’s Choice Community Grants
The Friends have won a grant from Florence Bank every year since 2015! The more votes we get, the larger the grant! Last year we received $4,181.54 thanks to community support. If you are a Florence Bank customer, please cast your vote today. VOTE HERE
Fourth Monday of each month at 7 pm on Zoom.
October 27th, November 24th, Dec 22nd.
Email library.director@shutesbury.org to register.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Shutesbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
December 3, 2025
Hum
By Helen Phillips
January 7th
Observer by Robert Lanza
Email library.director@shutesbury.org to join the list! Books are available at the library.Newcomers are welcome!
An innovative early learning product for students in grade levels kindergarten through second grade
Pebble Go Animals & Biographies is specifically designed for K-3 students. Packed with informational articles, ready-made activities, and literacy supports for students of all abilities, it boosts engagement and fosters independent learning in core subject areas.
If possible, announcements about weather related closures will be posted on the Library's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ShutesburyLibrary/. If situations allow, closure information will also be posted on this website.
